Basic insulation exposed in electrical outdoor meter box.

as mentioned previously ... page 20 and page 24 of this document  offers an opinion, re: 'supply'  ...  does it help in relation to the OP title or question

www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/.../best_practice-guide-4_issue-7-2.pdf

Thanks for the link psychicwarrior. Page 20 seems to refer to situations when connecting to an accessory giving it a C2, so not relevant to this discussion. Page 24, singles in a meter cupboard is just an observation? Really it shouldn’t be an observation as it complies with BS7671. You wouldn’t put down singles in an enclosure as an observation anywhere else. 

Thanks for the link psychicwarrior. Page 20 seems to refer to situations when connecting to an accessory giving it a C2, so not relevant to this discussion. Page 24, singles in a meter cupboard is just an observation? Really it shouldn’t be an observation as it complies with BS7671. You wouldn’t put down singles in an enclosure as an observation anywhere else. 

Page 20 does seem relevant - perhaps you did not see the section on a C2 for 'supply'  ?    (as it perhaps displays differently on your reader)

The article details OBS as:

"Observations (obs)
Items worthy of note, that are not non-
compliances with BS 7671, but which
do not warrant a classification code."

It seems the 'best practice guide' authors consider what's in meter cabinets as something to inspect and further,  that a C2 or an OBS  depending on criteria could be applicable.    Is it in reference to what might be the customers gear only, or including supplier gear too, is not detailed.

Thanks again. So, the meter cabinet is classified as an enclosure, and, like any enclosure, it should be inspected. Any non-compliances should be coded appropriately based on their severity. I understand this. Since it’s established that a meter cabinet is an enclosure, the use of basic insulation for exposed SWA cables is a satisfactory installation method, and nothing in BS7671 indicates otherwise. I suppose that’s that then. 

To be honest, I despair at those who wish to rush us to undertake even more responsiblilities which should lie with others.

The meter enclosure belongs to the DNO, so why should we have to undertake responsibilty for the inspection of something which is in reality, nothing to do with us?

The meter enclosure belongs to the customer.  The kit inside it belongs to the DNO.

Not all of it. Who owns the consumer tails?

I was told in no uncertain terms that the enclosure belongs to whichever fitted it, either the meter co or the DNO. That is what I was told when they moved my meter to an outside box. At that time I asked if I could fit a DP 80A mccb instead of an isolator and they said No because it was their enclosure.

So if it is their box, it is their responsibility to inspect and maintain, and should be beyond the scope of BS7671